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EDP (External Diploma Program)

Like the GED, the EDP provides adult learners with an alternative means of receiving a DC high school diploma.

EDP is quite different than the GED program, however, because it gives students educational credit for life experiences and professional skills.

Rather than taking a single examination, students take diagnostic tests in reading, writing, and math, and are assessed for competency in 65 areas from communication to computation to technological awareness.

After successfully completing the 65 competencies, the EDP candidate must also demonstrate competency in an area of Individualized Skill. This could be a job competency, an advanced academic competency, or a special skill competency (e.g., photography).

Who does it serve?
EDP is available to District of Columbia residents who are 21 years or older. How does it meet your adult needs?

EDP is practical
  • Learn to write a resume and a letter of application
  • Analyze consumer issues
  • Use information from newspapers and magazines .
 EDP is flexible:
  • Day or evening appointments
  • Most of the work can be done at home
  • Enroll any time of the year
EDP is self-paced:
  • Learn independently
  • Set your own deadlines
  • Schedule appointments when it is convenient for you
EDP is private:
  • One-on-one sessions with and advisor
  • Private office visits for skill evaluation
  • Confidential: At your request, your participation in the program will be confidential


What do you do?

First, an advisor reviews your reading, writing and math skills.

  • Your advisor will tell you what areas you need to work on and where you can get help.

Next, you apply your life and work skills.

  • You complete five take home projects (65 skills), demonstrating skills which are embedded in a series of simulations of realistic tasks such as finding a job or planning a vacation. In this phase you will also have to demonstrate an individualized competency by verifying an ocupation or specialized skill. You will work one-on-one with an assesor to demonstrate these 65 life skills.

    Contact us about EDP.

    If you are interested in the EDP, please call or e-mail Annette Banks at (202) 269-6623 or abanks@aohdc.org